Dempster tries to ignore trade talk

But Cubs starter knows it's inevitable with team in spiral and him in 'walk' year

May 26, 2012|By Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune reporter

PITTSBURGH — Despite being winless, Ryan Dempster has put himself in good early position in his so-called "walk" season, ranking sixth among National League pitchers with a 2.14 ERA.

Whether Dempster will return to the Cubs is a question he can't answer yet. The new regime would like to keep him around if he's willing to go through the rebuilding process and doesn't try to break the bank, but they also have to listen to offers with the farm system depleted.

"I haven't heard anything either way," Dempster said. "If they did approach me, I'd have to think about it."

Dempster will be 36 next year.

"I figure I only have, with advances in modern science, another 18 years to play and that's it," he cracked.

Dempster denied a report hinting he sold his Chicago home because he knows he won't be around too long.

"It was up for sale because I bought a different house," he said.

Dempster added that he hasn't spoken to anybody in the Cubs' front office about his future, and he isn't likely to ask. He knows his name will come up in trade talk, but he can veto any deal with his five-and-10 rights.

"Whatever happens, happens," he said. "Obviously, there will be questions, and I'll get more and more as the season goes along. But honestly, I don't even think about it."

Dempster stopped and corrected himself.

"I mean, I do have days when I think about it," he said. "But for the most part, I just do my job the best I can."

"The bottom line is Castro has to learn to take his walks," Sveum said. "Until he takes his walks, it's going to be tough (for him) with men in scoring position."

Sveum said Castro's lack of patience wasn't a factor in moving him to the No. 2 hole.

"Not really," he said. "It was more of change. He's down to around .300 with men in scoring position, where a week ago he was up in the .350s and .360s. But you could say that about a few people, too."

Extra innings: Triple-A Iowa infielder Blake DeWitt was put on the disabled list with a sprained left wrist. … The Cubs' 20-inning scoreless drought was their longest of the season. The Cubs hold the National League record with 48 consecutive scoreless innings, set in 1968.